In a surprising disclosure, the Korean news website ETNews has rumored that the next iteration of Samsung’s current flagship – the Galaxy S5 – would ship without Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) features. For those new to digital cameras and digital photography, a constant complaint from smartphone users have been blurry photographs. One reason, amongst others, for blurred photos is the physical shaking of the device, either when the camera button is pressed, or when the person holding the device is not still himself.
OIS is a technical solution employed by the camera module manufacturers which compensates for the physical shaking of the device which, in turn, translates to clearer photos. Although OIS as a technology is not new to digital cameras, it is a fairly new feature for smartphones and is currently available on the latest flagships – including the LG Nexus 5, the HTC One and LG’s G2.
Unfortunately, the latest rumor from Korean media, has the chances of the Galaxy S5 to sport OIS limited due to component shortages from Samsung’s suppliers. According to the source, Samsung phones which would be released during the second-half of next year, would ship with OIS. Since the Galaxy S5 is rumored to be announced sometime in March-April, it is doubtful whether Samsung would manage to get their OIS shortages fixed by then. It must be noted that the recently released Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera also has been a victim of the same issue. OIS component shortages had led to OIS being scrapped from the Note 3.
ETNews had previously also rumored the following specs for the Samsung Galaxy S5 – a 64-bit Exynos or Snapdragon processor, 3 GB of RAM, a 16 megapixel (MP) primary camera and a 4000 mAh battery. Presumably, the device will run Android 4.4 KitKat skinned with a new version of Samsung’s patented TouchWiz user interface (UI). This source claims that there will be a “Premium” model sporting a metal case, and a flexible OLED and one “normal” version sporting a normal OLED and a plastic chassis.
As all rumors, this one should also be taken with a pinch of salt. Who knows, the Galaxy S5 might have OIS after all and it might not actually be a Unicorn this time around.